Studebaker Mystery

[AliceDurose]

So today we returned from a holiday in the South of France (and obviously solving this mystery is my no. 1 priority on my return ).
Yesterday on a stroll around the Village I was giddy to see a procession of Classics on a run out. I grabbed my camera and took a few rushed shots. All the cars parked up a short way down the road, so I got a good look at them all, apart from this chap, whose car Id already declared 'my favourite' of the group. All I got was this quick snap. My partner managed to identify it as a Studebaker from the hub cap, but I've had no luck identifying the model, year, etc.
Anyone in the know shed any light on this one?
[frame][/frame]

[jagnut66]

Hi,
I've had a look but this is the closest I found........[frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

This is a Studebaker Champion Starlight, a very attractive car in it's own right, this one's from 1953. Quite subtle for the Yanks and better looking for it (IMO). I wonder how many are left..............
Looks like £10 to £15 K will get you a decent one, so beyond me sadly, mind you it probably wouldn't fit on my driveway anyway!

There did seem to be some variants on this theme, so maybe it's one of those but I can't find it.
Best wishes,
Mike.

[irmscher]

Studebaker commander 50,s ??

[les]

Slightly off topic, anyone remember the boxer Dave Charnley, well he used to visit relatives in the road I lived as a child. The car he drove there in was a Studebaker Champion, don't know the model but it was pretty flash!

[TDV102]

'59 Simca Aronde? If so I claim my prize!

[ManyMinors]

I think it is a Simca too. It is surely too small to be an American car of that period?

[PSL184]

'59 Simca Aronde? If so I claim my prize!

I'd say a 56 but agree with make and model.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnl6GOYjAZY

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Beaten to it, Simca Aronde P60. Very nice cars.

[jagnut66]

Having looked it up I agree, I believe it's this: Simca Aronde 2nd generation 90A 1955-1958

Here's a link to one for sale for anyone with a spare £5000:
https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/ ... 1958/58020
Did they do any right hand drive versions?
Best wishes,
Mike.[frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

[johngrigg]

Yes Mike they did. A RHD version was imported to Australia in CKD form and assembled by Chrysler, who I think then owned Simca, between 1956 and 1964, Havn't seen one for years and I dont know if they were ever sold in the UK in RHD
Cheers JohnG

[AliceDurose]

Glorious! The mystery is solved! Thanks so much everyone

Pretty little car, and in fantastic condition. I only wish he'd parked up with the others so I could have a real look.

Had a look about at them on the net, beautiful little things. Rather like the 'Weekend' opentop model. There's a decent one for sale, and at only 30k surely a steal
Best get buying some lotto tickets ...